Out with the old SALE

Out with the old and in with the new, they always say! In order to celebrate the end of 2012 and the beginning of the fabulous 2013

EVERYTHING IN MY TPT STORE IS 20% OFF UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST!!

Thanks Khrys for the cute graphic.

Don't forget to link up with your December photos. I will announce the four winners on January 1st. 

Organization Resolutions

I’m linking up today with Hope at Second Grade Shenanigans for my new years resolutions for organization!  I usually have high hopes but let's face it ... it's hard being organized in the classroom. Oh wait ..am I the only one with this problem?

I hope to never see my closet like this again.

I start out clean and organized in August but by the time December rolls around it looks like a bomb exploded in my supply closet. My goal for 2013 is toss items I haven't used in the past year. This is really hard for me. I have tons of resources and craft supplies.  I think I need an intervention. The show hoarders might love my supply closet. 

My other goal for 2013 is to organize all of my computer files which includes fonts, lessons, photographs, and clip art. I think my new imac might actually get me motivated. It should arrive sometime in January. 

Organizational Tips

Let’s talk organization. Naturally, I’m not a super organized person but I learned quickly as a teacher you kinda need to be organized. Thanks many years of teaching, I’ve found some simple organization tips that have really helped me through the years. Let’s start with some of my MUST have supplies- Binders, Page Protectors, and Packing Tape.

Binders- They are great for organizing teaching units, lesson plans, and more. This year I have filled 4 huge binders with all of my favorite tpt/blog worksheets. Before this system, I had papers stuffed in filing cabinets and folders. It was one huge mess!  I am such a visual person so this system has been wonderful for me. Binders are not only a great way for teachers to stay organized but my students love them too! Each student has their own BEE binder. It keeps them so organized. To check out more on how I organize my BEE binders, click here.

Packing Tape- Have you seen this cute pin? I use so much packing tape. The best tip is to use packing tape for your Books on CD. I use packing tape to store all of my CDs for the Listening Station. Instead of using ziplock bags, you can tape the CD cover directly inside of the book. I usually tape it where the slot is facing up to prevent the CD from sliding out.

Page Protectors-They work wonders. The possibilities are endless and did you know you can still make copies even if the originals are in page protectors? I love page protectors as little cheat sheet necklaces. Here is a cute alphabet one. They are great for wearable signs and posters. My students love to be "green" by using them in my word work station with dry erase markers. You can also cut them and make them any size!

Resolutions

I'm linking up to share my Technology Resolutions for 2013. Make sure you link up with Kathleen over at Growing Kinders to share your technology tips and resolutions.

Boy do I just LOVE technology.

I will share some of my favorite FREE websites for the students
Sumdog
Xtramath.org
Scootpad.com

Here are my favorite paid websites
Brainpopjr.com
Tumblebooks.com
Samson's classroom

My technology resolution  is to use mastery connect on a weekly basis and continue to plan using planbook.com

Have you checked out these awesome sites?

Planbook.com-You can sign up for a FREE 30 day trial... then it's only $12 a year.

Super easy to import state standards and common core standards. You can bump, extend, and delete lessons. I love the templates. It's definitely one of my favorite things right now!


Now I also have a personal technology resolution which is to learn Photoshop. I would also like to learn how   to create clip art. I'm using adobe creative cloud that allows me to access tons of adobe programs on either computer. LOVING it so far.


What are your technology resolutions?

Don't forget to link up to this giveaway!
You could win some great gift cards.

Giveaway Time

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I sure am enjoying my break. Did anyone get a new camera for Christmas? I know there has been some picture taking in the month of December. I'm still having the December Teacher's Gonna Snap linky party. There are FOUR prizes so come link up.

You can link up classroom pictures from December, Elf pictures, or even family photos from December. 

4 winners total:

$25 to Amazon or TPT ( 1 winner)

$25 to Bonefish, Carrabbas, or Outback ( 1 winner)

Elf for next year (1 winner)

Camera Strap (1 winner)

Winners will be announced on January 1st. 

I've been busy taking pictures of my precious new niece. 

Here are some pictures from school.

 

We are KIND KIDS

We've had so much fun this week completing our RACK's. Have you seen this darling packet by Lindsey? A year of many firsts created the best FREE packet I've seen in a while. Click here to snag a copy for yourself. Each day the students are so excited to complete our kind kid mission. Today happened to be visit a previous teacher and give a hug. Since I looped, we visited our K friends. We also sang one of Heidi's songs about following rules. You know....we are trying to recruit new members for our KIND KID club.

On Monday we dropped off donuts for the office staff

We made cards that said

WE DONUT KNOW WHAT WE WOULD DO WITHOUT YOU!

On Tuesday we dropped off  treats for our lunchroom staff and custodians.

MARKET RACK

Today we were producers and consumers. We helped our first grade friends with Market Days. All monies raised will help out Sandy Hook. 

I'm so happy that we are LOVING our RACK missions. I can't wait to continue in January.

 

Silence for Sandy Hook Elementary

12 on the 12th

I'm getting my camera ready for today and you should too! Simpson's Superstars is hosting her FIRST LINKY party 12 on the 12th where you will  post 12 random pictures from the 12th day of the month. Today happens to be EXTRA special.

Grab your cameras, phones, iPads etc. and start snapping away.  Feel free to take whatever pictures you would like (just keep it clean) and then join the party.  

1. Made yummy and very easy white chocolate dipped oreo cookies

2. Made a quick visit to see my sweet Nephew

3. Welcomed our new intern today! YAY

4. Switched tables today. I switch every reporting period. I love KAGAN structures.

5. Received some beautiful flowers today

6. Had dinner at my dad's tonight.

7. Have you tried this peppermint Mocha creamer? To die for!

8. Made some treats for my sweet co-workers baby shower!

9. Nails done with shellac

10. Found out we won a Target Grant- YAY!

11. Had too many of these dangerous sweets.

12. Went to the gym for a training session.